Cuban activists are rallying for solidarity on social media to assist former political prisoner Luis Robles, who recently arrived in Spain with his mother, Yindra Elizástigui, and his seven-year-old son. This move follows more than four years of imprisonment and house arrest for peacefully protesting in Havana in 2020.
"I personally avoid asking for money, but there are times when it’s necessary to appeal to the generosity of those willing to help. Today, I want to do this for our brave Luis Robles, who has just arrived in Spain with his family and needs that initial push to start anew in a completely different reality,” wrote Mitchl EC, a Cuban exiled graphic designer and professor, on Facebook.
Robles has so far relied on a small support group that discreetly aided his departure from Cuba. "Now is the time for all of us to unite and support him, helping cover his initial expenses for accommodation, living costs, transportation, and legal procedures," Mitchl added. He noted that while Robles is in the process of setting up his own bank account, donations can be made through "the same secure channel we used to cover his travel expenses."
"Those wishing to contribute can contact me privately. Besides cash donations, public transport cards for Madrid, gift cards, or prepaid cards are also helpful. However, cash offers greater flexibility to meet the most urgent needs," Mitchl explained.
The message was shared by activist Leisam Rubio, who was among those welcoming Robles and his family upon their arrival in Madrid. “Read carefully those who have written to us to help them,” she urged on her profile.
Activist Massiel Rubio and exiled producer Dayana Prieto, wife of opposition playwright Yunior García, were also present at the airport to greet them.
Robles reached Madrid this Monday after being released in early 2025 as part of an agreement between the Cuban regime and the U.S. government. He had been arrested in December 2020 for carrying a sign on San Rafael Boulevard that read: “Freedom, no more repression, #FreeDenis.”
For this peaceful act, he was convicted of “resistance” and “enemy propaganda” in a trial heavily criticized by international organizations. In 2024, the U.S. sanctioned the judges and prosecutors involved in his case for “serious human rights violations.”
During a press conference this week in Madrid, Robles shared that his departure caught State Security by surprise. “They wanted me to leave, but without speaking,” he stated to independent media.
He also revealed that authorities tried to impose conditions to silence his testimony, prompting him to leave without disclosing the details to avoid interception.
In the same conference, his mother, Yindra Elizástigui, shared a poignant account of the struggle to defend a political prisoner. She recounted being harassed at work and monitored by State Security. “Today in Cuba, the greatest suffering for political prisoners is the silence of their families. Because if you stay silent, you become complicit,” she declared.
Now, they aim to start anew in Spain. Those supporting them in this transition are seeking help to ensure they can do so with dignity.
Support for Cuban Political Refugees in Spain
What led to Luis Robles's imprisonment in Cuba?
Luis Robles was imprisoned for peacefully protesting in Havana in 2020. He carried a sign advocating for freedom and an end to repression, which led to charges of "resistance" and "enemy propaganda."
How can people support Luis Robles in Spain?
Support can be provided through cash donations, public transport cards for Madrid, gift cards, or prepaid cards. Interested individuals can contact Mitchl EC privately for more details on how to contribute.
Why did Robles decide to leave Cuba?
Robles decided to leave Cuba to escape the conditions imposed by the authorities to silence his testimony. He aimed to secure his freedom without being intercepted by State Security.